The museum , in conjunction with Trevow Helston, is undertaking a piece of research into the history of theatre in Helston. Whilst there is a rich history of amateur dramatic groups in Helston and its environs, the history of professional theatre and theatres in the area is more difficult to determine.

Many areas in Cornwall developed small “primitive” theatres in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. These structures were often created in stables sometimes connected with hostelries such as The Kings Arms at Launceston and The Stable theatre in Penzance. Many travelling players, both from Cornwall and beyond, visited and performed in these rudimentary theatres. We know from newspaper reports that some performed at The Guildhall or at The Angel Hotel. In the museum there are theatre bills for The Britannia Theatre In Helston in the 1880s managed by Mr George Sanders. This group performed at Lower Green which is the area now occupied by the Coronation boating lake. There are also references to Latimer’s ‘Albion Theatre’. Intriguingly there is a comment about a “a wood framed canvas construction which served as a theatre for a small family group of actors” which was also located in Lower Green.

We are really keen to find out more about the “theatricals” which were located in Helston and those who visited. Who were they? Where did they perform? Where did they live or stay? Were there any dedicated theatres and where were they?

Can you help us?
Do you have any information? Maybe stories told to you by family and friends? Photographs? Newspaper cuttings? Old theatre bills or programmes?

If you can help please email
margaret@museumofcornishlife.co.uk
Thank you